Firefighter critically burned while refueling chainsaw

Josh Evans suffered second- and third-degree burns to his upper body; he’s in critical but stable condition

May 28, 2015 09:11 AM

Las Vegas Sun

LAS VEGAS — A seasonal U.S. Forest Service firefighter is in critical but stable condition after suffering injuries Monday while working on a small fire on Mount Charleston, the agency said today.

Josh Evans suffered second- and third-degree burns to his upper body in a flash fire that occurred while refueling a chainsaw, officials said.

Evans and his crew had been battling a fire sparked by lightning in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area when the incident occurred, officials said.

Evans was airlifted to University Medical Center, where he is in the burn unit, officials said.

Another fire crew replaced Evans’ crew, and the fire was eventually contained, officials said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Josh and his family in this unfortunate situation. We appreciate our selfless firefighters who willingly face ongoing challenges in the interest of protecting life and property,” Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Supervisor Bill Dunkelberger said in a news release.